Medals and awards

Social to Returned Soldiers.

Troopers J. CHANTER and A. FORTESCUE, members of the Now South Wales Citizens Contingent, who have recently returned from South Africa, after 18 months service, were entertained at a social at the School of Arts, Moama, on Saturday evening, by the residents of Moama and district. There was an unusually largo assemblage of residents of Moama, Echuca, and district, the seating accommodation arranged being insufficient to seat all at the tables. To get over this difficulty, however, a large number were provided with forms. The hall was nicely decorated for the occasion, bunting being displayed in profusion on the stage. The chair was occupied by the Mayor of Moama (Ald. W.J. Martin), who had on his right the guests of the evening, whilst surrounding him were the parents and relatives of the soldiers, the Mayor and Mayoress of Echuca (Cr and Mrs O'Bryan), and Captain McKenzie and Major Eakins (Medical Staff) of the "E" Company Victorian Rangers.

About thirty of the Rangers marched to Moama, but they were unable to have their band, owing to several of their members boing engaged in business.

Loud applause ensued as the Mayor escorted the guests to their seats.

Mr G. Wells, of Echuca, prepared an excellent repast, and he and his assistants had great difficulty in satisfying the wants of the vast crowd.

The good things having been done full justice to, the company rose and sang with great vim "The National Anthem", and afterwards gave the toast of "Our Governor-General" with musical honors.

Mr J.G. Sutton sang in fine voice the patriotic song ""When the Empire Calls".

The Chairman, in proposing the health of "The Guests", said he was very pleased, indeed, to receive them. They had sent away from this town some 18 months ago Troopers CHANTER and FORTESCUE, and they were very proud, indeed, to see that they had safely returned to their homes once more — to their mothers and fathers. He knew that since they had been in South Africa they had done their duty. They had responded to the call of their country, but people at that time had no idea of what dangers had to be met, but since then they had noticed the perils of their brave soldiers on the battlefields, and he could say that their guests, as Australians, had come back with credentials far better than they left these shores with. Most people thought when they left, that the Australians were going for a little play, but such was not the case. They went away to fight for their King and country, and they had done so. For this they were deeply indebted, and in welcoming them back they were only showing their appreciation of what they had done. He had much pleasure in welcoming them home, and in doing so he gave an opportunity for other gentlemen to speak.

The Mayor of Echuca (Cr O'Bryan) said it gave him great pleasure to be able to be present to assist in giving a welcome to their boys. The soldiers expectations must be more than realized at the manner in which the people had assembled en masse to receive them. Their guests had been to South Africa fighting for their King and their country, and he was sure they had made a mark for the place they belonged. He had much pleasure in welcoming them back, and hoped they would be long spared.

Captain McKenzie said he was also extremely pleased to be present at the reception to their worthy young men. Personally, he was exceedingly pleased to see so much enthusiasm on a busy day — the day they arrived — and certainly it was still more gratifying to see such enthusiasm on a very busy night. There were many, however, who would like to have been present, but they could not get away. He could only re-echo the sentiments expressed by himself on the day of their return, and on behalf of the company he was pleased to welcome them back. He hoped they would re-join the company, and the experience gained by them would undoubtedly be of material benefit both to themselves and their comrades. Everybody was under a deep obligation to the soldier and sailor who took up arms to fight, because in doing this they were protecting their respective businesses, and leaving them in security and peace. The soldier risked his life for his country, and looked to some superior power for protection. The Australians had responded to the call of the Empire, and the bravery displayed by them in South Africa has been a notable feature of the war. They had fought like Britons, and he thought the lines by Rudyard Kipling, in a slightly altered form, on the Afghanistan war, could very well be made applicable to our boys :—

If you should fall on South African plains, When the Boers come out to pick up your remains, Just roll to your rifle and blow out your brains, And go to your God like a soldier.

Mr W. Williams said he was a visitor, friend, soldier, and a man, and was extremely pleased to hold out a hand of welcome. on the safe return of the boys. They had gone out to fight for the honour and flag of old England against the greatest enemy, and they had conquered. They had fought for the right and freedom of our country, and it was only right that we should open our arms on their return in friendship, in love, and peace. He trusted that they would enjoy long life.

Mr J. Lewis said they were assembled together to tender a hearty welcome to our brave young heroes, who had just returned from the South African Campaign. They had left their homes and gone to far distant lands to uphold the prestige of the Empire, and there was no doubt the slight recognition given them was well deserved. It was with admiration that we spoke of them, and it was satisfactory to know that we have off-springs imbued with such courage and trait as they had given evidence of in the war. As one, it gave him much pleasure to express his gratitude for the manner in which they had fought on our behalf, and it was only right to assist them, now that they had returned, all that lay in our power. He would do his best for them, and aid them when necessity arose. He had, indeed, a true pleasure in welcoming home our brave young friends.

Three hearty cheers were then given for the guests.

Mr Blair rendered the song "Man of Warsman" in good style.

The Chairman made a presentation of medals to the young fellows on behalf of the residents of Echuca, Moama and district.

Mr J.G. Sutton rendered a vocal number in fine voice.

Troopers CHANTER and FORTESCUE then rose to return thanks, and were received with deafening cheers.  Both expressed, their gratitude to the people for the welcome back and the handsome present, after which they gave a short description of their travels.

Captain McKenzie proposed the health of "The parents of the boys". In doing so he spoke in feeling terms of the leave-taking of their sons, and the anxiety that existed during their absence. When the papers arrived the first thing they looked at was the Australian casualties. The strain must be very great upon them, and to them we owed our sympathy in their anxiety. He had a photo of a leave-taking, which he prized very much. It was the parting between Mr Chanter and their guest. Their hands were clasped, and the words that were expressed by Mr Chanter were — "Good-bye Jack; good luck; God bless you". He had great pleasure in proposing the health of Mr and Mrs Chanter and Mr and Mrs Fortescue.

The toast was musically honored.

Mr H. Hamilton gave the comic song "I didn't now till afterwards", and so well was it rendered that he had to reappear, when he gave "It takes a lot of that to upset me".

Mr Chanter thanked the assemblage on behalf of his family and himself for the very flattering reception that had been given to the boys who had gone away to fight for their country. In touching upon the parting of his son, referred to by Captain McKenzie, it was a time he would never forget. When the contingents were departing there were many leave-takings which brought tears to his eyes. His son was going away. Before he left he impressed upon him the fact that whenever he was called upon to do a duty not to question an order, no matter whatever it might be. They had a duty to obey, and they must do it. He then referred to the recent difficulties on the return of the Morayshire with the troops, and eulogised the traits in the character of the men. They had spoken of the feelings of the parents when they were parting with their sons, but what must be the feelings of fathers and mothers in different parts of the world. In the State of Victoria they were now mourning the loss of loved ones, and at times like this when they were honoring the return of soldiers they should also show their deep, earnest feelings for those who were mourning. He felt proud of the reception and the kindly words expressed by Capt. McKenzie, and he thanked them most heartily.

Mr. Fortescue also returned thanks. In doing so he said when the boys were leaving he thought both wore too young and would not stand the hardships that would have to be contended against. However, they had gone through the difficulty and had returned in good health. His son had been stricken with illness and the sympathy that was expressed by the residents of Moama to him was somewhat astonishing. Now that his son was better he thanked them for the expressions of good will. He had also to thank Mr Chanter for the kind hospitality that he and his family had received on the occasion of the departure and return of their son.

Mr W. Williams rendered " Soldiers of the King", the company joining in the chorus.

Mr E. Berryman proposed the toast of "The Ladies". Mr Smith returned thanks on behalf of the ladies.

The Mayor of Echuca proposed the toast of the Press, which was responded to by the representative of this journal.

Mr. Chanter at this stage referred to the disaster that had befallen the Victorian representatives at the front, and thought now that we were united it would be an act of good grace to show their sympathy in some manner and moved "That this meeting of citizens, in the midst of its rejoicing, tender to the mourning relatives their deepest feeling of sympathy". The motion was carried on a show of hands.

A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings.

Mr E.R. Reilly accompanied the singers on the piano.